At a Glance
- Tasks: Support primary-aged children with SEMH needs and help them engage with learning.
- Company: Vision for Education, a specialist primary school in Henbury, Bristol.
- Benefits: Earn £475+ per week, full-time role with training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing support and development in a rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives while building positive relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience with children facing emotional and behavioural challenges is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Behaviour Mentor / SEMH Teaching Assistant - Primary Henbury, Bristol | £475+ per week PAYE (dependent on experience and qualifications) Full-Time | Specialist Primary School | Ongoing Opportunity
Make a difference. Build relationships. Help children move forward. Are you someone who can see beyond a child's behaviour and understand that sometimes they need the right person in their corner? Vision for Education is looking for a confident, patient and resilient Behaviour Mentor to join a specialist primary school in Henbury, Bristol.
You’ll be supporting primary-aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them manage their emotions, build positive relationships and develop the confidence to engage with learning. This is a hands-on role where relationships are everything. Some days will be challenging, but the opportunity to make a genuine difference to a child's life is huge.
You don't necessarily need years of classroom experience. We’re particularly interested in people who have worked with children or young people with additional needs, behavioural difficulties or challenging circumstances and know how important patience, consistency and understanding can be.
What will you be doing?
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
- Supporting children who may struggle with emotional regulation and challenging behaviour.
- Helping pupils manage difficult situations and develop coping strategies.
- Encouraging engagement with lessons, activities and classroom routines.
- Using positive behaviour strategies and appropriate de-escalation techniques.
- Providing consistent boundaries, reassurance and encouragement.
- Working alongside teachers and other support staff to give pupils the best possible support.
Who would be a good fit?
We’re looking for someone who is confident working with children who may need additional emotional and behavioural support. Ideally, you’ll have:
- Experience supporting children or young people with challenging behaviour.
- A calm, patient and resilient approach.
- The confidence to deal with difficult situations without taking behaviour personally.
- The ability to build relationships while maintaining clear boundaries.
- A positive attitude and a genuine interest in helping young people overcome barriers.
Experience from other backgrounds is welcome too! If you’ve worked in youth work, residential care, children’s homes, alternative provision, sports coaching or similar environments, your experience could be really valuable.
Additional training - desirable, not essential:
- Team Teach or other positive handling training.
- De-escalation and behaviour management training.
- Experience in an SEMH or alternative provision setting.
- Safeguarding and Prevent training.
Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box. The right experience, attitude and approach are what matter most.
What’s in it for you?
- £475+ per week, paid through PAYE (dependent on qualifications).
- Full-time opportunity in a specialist primary setting.
- The chance to make a genuine difference to children’s lives.
- Opportunities to develop your experience in SEMH and behaviour support.
- Access to relevant training and professional development.
Behaviour Mentor / SEMH TA employer: Vision for Education Ltd
Smart Teachers is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth. As a Data Officer at a high-performing secondary school, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student outcomes while benefiting from ongoing training and support in a dynamic educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Mentor / SEMH TA
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Vision for Education Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Vision for Education Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Vision for Education Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Vision for Education Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Mentor / SEMH TA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Vision for Education Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Vision for Education Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vision for Education Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
